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Gijn Accommodation Guide

Gijn Accommodation Guide

Asturias, Spain

Full Spectrum of Lodging

Traditional Options

  • Hostels (Hostales/Albergues)

    Budget-friendly options, often favored by solo travelers and backpackers. Dorm beds are common; many also feature private rooms. Albergue Juvenil Gijón is an example.

  • Guesthouses (Pensiones)

    Smaller, family-run establishments with basic rooms, often without extensive services. They create a cozy, local feel, typically more affordable than hotels.

  • Hotels

    Gijón features hotels from 1-star to 5-star, with various amenities and service levels. Options range from simple, clean rooms to properties with pools, spas, and multiple dining options.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels known for unique designs, personalized service, and distinct character. Hotel San Miguel or Hotel Hernán Cortés provide a more intimate atmosphere.

Premium Lodging

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end establishments with extensive services, premium facilities, and refined dining. Hotel Silken Ciudad Gijón presents modern amenities and a spa. Parador de Gijón provides an unique historic setting.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Vacation rentals and apartments are widely available through platforms. These options give more space, kitchen facilities, and flexibility, ideal for families, groups, or longer stays.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Formally organized homestay programs are less common. Staying in a vacation rental managed by a local host can offer a homestay-like experience, creating direct interaction and local insights.

  • Camping & Outdoor Stays

    Several campsites (Campings) just outside Gijón. They offer pitches for tents and caravans, and sometimes provide bungalows or mobile homes for rent. Camping Gijón is one example. They are popular during summer for outdoor enthusiasts.

Unique Local Stays

While not within Gijón city center, the surrounding Asturian countryside has charming rural guesthouses (Casas Rurales). These are often renovated traditional Asturian homes. They offer a peaceful escape from the city bustle and an immersive experience.

Rural Houses

Benefits
  • Renovated traditional Asturian homes
  • Rustic and immersive experience
  • Peaceful escape from city bustle
  • Authentic local feel
Considerations
  • Not in Gijón city center
  • Transportation to city required
  • Fewer urban amenities nearby
  • Limited public transport access

Vacation Rentals

Benefits
  • More space and privacy
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Flexibility for groups/families
  • "Home away from home" feel
Considerations
  • Interaction with locals depends on host
  • Less traditional hotel services
  • Cleaning fees often extra
  • pick-up logistics

Homestay Opportunities

Benefits
  • Direct interaction with local hosts
  • Local insights and tips
  • Cultural exchange
  • Personalized experience
Considerations
  • Formally organized programs less common
  • Limited options within city center
  • Less privacy than hotels/rentals
  • Host availability varies

Booking Platforms for Unique Stays

Online Portals:

Find diverse options on Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo. For house/pet sitting exchanges, TrustedHousesitters presents a unique possibility.

Direct & Local:

Consider local real estate agencies for managed vacation rentals. Check the Gijón Tourist Office website for links to local accommodation associations or direct booking portals.

Gijón Neighborhoods

Each area features a distinct character and proximity to various attractions.

Exploring Neighborhood Pros

  • Cimavilla: Oldest part, charming, narrow winding streets, historic buildings, panoramic views. Truly local feel.
  • Centro: Central location, excellent transport links, close to many attractions and museums, wide range of shops and restaurants.
  • San Lorenzo/La Arena: Direct beach access, modern apartments, lively promenade, good for families.
  • Poniente/El Humedal: Modern architecture, near marina and Aquarium de Gijón, good transport links, contemporary ambiance.

Neighborhood Considerations

  • Cimavilla: Can be hilly, some areas are pedestrian-only which means no direct vehicle access. It can be noisy at night, especially on weekends. Parking is limited.
  • Centro: Can be very busy, especially during peak hours. It has less historical character than Cimavilla and may have higher prices for certain services.
  • San Lorenzo/La Arena: Can be crowded in summer. Some parts are further from the historic center, requiring a longer walk or bus ride.
  • El Bibio/Somió: Less central, generally needs public transport or a car to reach most city attractions and the historic center.

Proximity & Noise Levels

Proximity to Attractions
  • Cimavilla & Centro: Best walking access to most major attractions (Roman Baths, Revillagigedo Palace, San Lorenzo Beach), excellent access to EMTUSA bus network.
  • San Lorenzo/La Arena & Poniente/El Humedal: Good access to beaches, walkable to city center, well-served by buses.
  • El Bibio/Somió: Less central, generally needs bus or car for convenient city exploration.
Noise Levels & Ambiance
  • Cimavilla & Centro: Lively and noisy, especially on weekends and evenings.
  • San Lorenzo/La Arena & Poniente/El Humedal: Lively during day, generally quieter at night.
  • El Bibio/Somió: Residential areas, generally quiet and peaceful.

Safety Information

General Safety:

All listed areas in Gijón are generally safe for visitors.

Urban Precautions:

Exercise standard urban precautions against petty theft.

Specific Areas:

Be mindful in crowded tourist zones, on public transport, and in nightlife districts.

Booking Strategies

Careful booking strategies help guests secure optimal accommodation at the right price.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Season July-August

Book 3-6 months in advance. Availability reduces quickly; prices rise significantly closer to travel.

  • Peak demand and warm weather
  • Local festivals drive prices
  • Book early for best selection
  • Limited last-minute deals
Low Season November-April

Booking 2-4 weeks in advance usually suffices, with flexibility for last-minute deals.

  • Lowest prices
  • More flexibility
  • Excludes Christmas/New Year period
  • Better value for travel

Booking Platforms

International Platforms

Use well-known platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com for a wide range of hotels and guesthouses.

  • Global accommodation options
  • Diverse property types
  • User reviews and ratings
  • Secure payment processing
Specialty & Local Sites

For apartment rentals, Airbnb and Vrbo are popular choices. Agoda strong in Asian properties. IHG Hotels is a major hotel chain. Hostelworld specializes in budget options.

  • Local real estate agencies manage vacation rentals.
  • Gijón Tourist Office website for direct booking portals.
  • TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.
  • Variety of accommodation styles

Cancellation Policies

  • Vary by Property

    Cancellation policies differ based on the specific property and the booking platform used.

  • Careful Review

    Always review the cancellation policy thoroughly before confirming your reservation.

  • Free Cancellation

    Many properties present options for free cancellation up to a certain date, which creates flexibility.

  • Deadlines

    Note any specific deadlines for cancellation without penalty.

Deposit & Negotiation

  • Deposits for Rentals

    Deposits are common for apartment rentals, often to secure the booking or as a security upon arrival.

  • Security Measures

    These deposits cover potential damages or breaches of rental terms.

  • Walk-in Rates

    Negotiating walk-in rates is uncommon in most hotels and established accommodations in Spain. Prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable.

  • Limited Flexibility

    For very small, independent guesthouses (Pensiones) during the low season, there might be slight flexibility, but it is not a common expectation.

Accommodation Recommendations

Budget-Friendly Options

Albergue Juvenil Gijón: A youth hostel offering dorms and some private rooms, a good option for budget travelers.
Hotel San Miguel: A budget-friendly hotel with a good location, providing clean and simple rooms.

  • Hostels for social opportunities
  • Guesthouses for local feel
  • Apartment rentals offer long-stay discounts
  • Check seasonal deals
Mid-Range & Luxury Stays

Hotel Hernán Cortés: Historic hotel, central.
Hotel Asturias: Views of Plaza Mayor.
Hotel Silken Ciudad Gijón: Modern with spa.
Parador de Gijón: Unique historic mill setting.
Apartamentos Capua: Serviced apartments with kitchen facilities.

  • Family rooms common in mid-range hotels
  • Apartment rentals ideal for families
  • Beach access hotels like NH Gijón or Hotel Abba Playa Gijón
  • Parador de Gijón and Hotel Hernán Cortés for historical appeal

Traveler Specifics

Family-Friendly

Many mid-range hotels offer family rooms. Apartment rentals through Airbnb or local agencies present more space and kitchen facilities. Hotels near San Lorenzo Beach, like NH Gijón or Hotel Abba Playa Gijón, provide convenient beach access.

Solo Traveler

For solo travelers looking to meet others, hostels in Cimavilla or the city center present social opportunities. For comfort and convenience, well-located boutique hotels or smaller guesthouses offer a good balance of privacy and accessibility.

Long-Stay

Apartment rentals are ideal for longer stays. They feature kitchen access, laundry facilities, and a more home-like environment, allowing guests to settle in. Many apartment rentals present weekly or monthly discounts.